Rogue landlords who fail to keep their properties in good condition could face prosecution under tough new laws to protect tenants, Bradford Council has warned.

The legislation came into effect last month, giving the Council wider powers to prosecute landlords who put the safety and health of their tenants at risk.

A crackdown in Bradford has already led to one successful prosecution.

The Council's private sector housing manager, Liam Jowett, said: "When a landlord rents a house they should ensure it is in good condition and they should be prepared to manage and maintain the house so it does not fall into disrepair.

"It is unacceptable to rent a house that is in poor condition which puts the occupants' health, safety and well being at risk."

Mokshad Miah was fined £2,250 and ordered to pay costs of £1,000 by Bingley Magistrates after his tenant at 201 Burnsall Road, Barkerend, complained about the health hazards at the property.

In September 2004 the Council's environmental health officers found the building in a poor condition with inadequate kitchen facilities, defects to the electrical system, damaged plaster work and leaking gutters.

Mr Miah, who is believed to live next door to the property, was taken to court after he ignored an informal and formal notice to repair the property.

He was convicted after he pleaded guilty to the offences.

One resident in Burnsall Road, who did not want to be named, said he had visited the house last year. He said: "A family of five children used to live in that house. They used to complain to us about the condition all the time but said Mr Miah never listened. In the end they had no option but to move out.

"When I saw it there was a lot of broken things, the staircase was moving you could not get up the stairs and it was very damp. There were rats and mice and it was not hygienic. It was not liveable.

"I'm glad he has been fined it's about time someone did something."

Andrew Houldsworth, the Council's head of housing, said: "We are delighted with the outcome of this case and hopefully this will encourage landlords to keep their properties in a decent and safe state of repair."

Councillor Rupert Oliver (Lib Dem, Bowling and Barkerend) welcomed the Council's use of the new laws but he proposed more draconian measures to deal with the problem.

Coun Oliver said: "It's a serious social responsibility being a landlord. There are too many examples of landlords not taking their responsibility seriously.

"I have concerns about private tenants. Often the difficulty is identifying landlords and tenants are reluctant to come forward.

"In my opinion there are thousands of properties that do not meet health and safety requirements. Part of the problem has been that they have been allowed to get away with it for too long."

Mr Miah did not respond to attempts by the Telegraph & Argus to contact him.

e-mail: nishika.patel@bradford.newsquest.co.uk

THE COUNCIL'S POWERS

  • The Housing Act 2004 came into force last month giving Bradford Council officers powers to check for deficiencies under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, which assesses possible dangers for tenants in private rented accommodation.
  • New enforcement powers allow the Council to issue improvement notices, prohibition orders and hazard awareness notices.
  • The new laws add to existing enforcement action which includes demolition orders and slum clearance declarations.
  • In extreme cases the Council could force a sale.
  • The Council can inspect privately rented houses and landlords can be taken to court if dangerous defects remain outstanding.
  • The formal notice stands on the property until repairs are carried out and the Council is satisfied with the work.